Home automation system?

Question

My parents are building a new house and gave me the head of technology for it (I would call myself intermediate). I wanted to build about 5 touch screen systems throughout the house connected by CAT7. It would use the Raspberry Pi board. I would also like it to have wifi, so using Android as the OS is not smart. It should have an easy UI for my mom but customizable. I was thinking mabye a Linux based system. All of the systems would be able to send messages to each other, clocks, information about weather and date and time, and an internet browser. I am not good at programming, so is there a pre-existing software out there? Mabye somebody could build me one. I don't know. Please suggest any other boards that would be better than the Raspberry Pi. I am not buying a existing system. I want to build it. It is important to note I am 14, so I have no money to spend on the system other than the parts (which my parents are paying for). Thank you.

Answer 1

Well, one of the first google hits for Linux Home Automation is http://www.pytomation.com/

It's python so it should run on the Raspberry Pi. I'd suggest a commercial system for what you're trying to do.



Also consider an open-air microphone system instead of/in addition to the touchscreen. I myself have setup a Hal2000 based open-air mic system. Works pretty well.

Answer 2

The Raspberry Pi is a good choice. I suggest you use the Raspbian operating system (it's a Linux based on Debian, so there is masses of free software for it). Raspbian has a big advantage over other alternatives - it is compiled specifically for the ARM processor in the Pi, so it gets the most out of the hardware.



Here's where to get a WiFi module for your Pi http://www.adafruit.com/products/814



Here's instructions for how to get the WiFi working http://www.raspberryshake.com/raspberry-pi-wireless-network-setup/



The Pi is a good choice in other ways - for instance, it has GPIO pins which enabe you to attach it to other electronics to control the circuits or read sensors, whatever. Here comes the good bit - these pins are programmable with Python (pretty much the easiest programming language to begin with, works fine on a Pi).



If you start by following the Paspberry Pi Foundation's website (http://www.raspberrypi.org/), you can get links to downlaod Raspbian, links to the Raspberry Pi wiki, the forums where you can ask for help, and lots of ideas from other people.



EDIT: I forgot to say, they've just announced a camera module for the Raspberry Pi - you could take a photo of everyone who comes to the front door, for security purposes...

Answer 3

Home automation sounds great on the surface but think of the costs to install, maintenance, and if monthly subscriptions are required.Control lights and shades together to create just the right amount of light automatically.All this is called home automation in which you manage your home energy and automation system.

Answer 4

confident, it would be seen a fixture. yet in any itemizing/revenues contract you may specify which furniture (if any) are excluded from the sale. in basic terms confirm its interior the contract and you ought to be nice.

Answer 5

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